Program Costs and Financial Aid

ISU is one of the least expensive schools in the country and Pocatello also has a relatively low cost of living (about 85% of the national average), all of which makes our programs an affordable option for graduate school. Since individual circumstances vary, it is difficult to estimate the total cost for any one student, but here we provide some information that should help prospective students to estimate their expenses. The figures are subject to change, so it is best to check with the English Department and other relevant offices (such as Housing and Financial Aid) for the most up-to-date information. Unless otherwise stated, the figures are per semester.

*Note: Full-time students must register for 9 graduate credits to be eligible for financial aid. The English MA and PhD TAships and PhD Fellowships cover tuition and fees. MA and PhD students who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may qualify for in-state fees under the regional graduate studies program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

All students are required to have health insurance. The cost is currently $1,014 for fall semester, and $1,014 for spring/summer, $507 summer only. Coverage for a spouse and children is also available for an additional fee. Students who have their own insurance can complete a waiver and they will not be required to purchase the student health policy. Note: The graduate TAships and Fellowships include health insurance.

New Graduate Student Fee: All new graduate students are required to pay a one-time fee of $100 at the beginning of their programs.

ISU Computing Fee: $35/semester. The fee provides access to e-mail, university computing labs, and help desk and other computer-related services. The fee also covers some printing in the computer labs.

Additional Course Fees: Students may need to pay an extra “activity” or “lab” fee for some classes at ISU. English courses do not require any additional fees, with the exception of the summer class English 577 – Shakespeare in Performance, which has an extra fee to offset the cost of a four-day trip to the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, Utah.

Students have many options for housing and their choices depend on their personal situations and preferences, so it is difficult to estimate housing costs. That said, it is relatively easy to find housing in Pocatello and options include on-campus dorms and apartments and off-campus rooms, apartments, and homes. For more specific information, students may find it helpful to contact the ISU Student Housing Office. The “Classifieds” section of the Idaho State Journal lists rentals and these can also provide a sense of local housing costs.

Housing is available on campus and within easy walking distance of ISU. For students who need to drive, a general parking pass for a car is currently $100/year. Bus service in Pocatello is provided by Pocatello Regional Transit.

There are many good child care centers in the area. Child care is available on campus at the ASISU Early Learning Center. Currently, the ELC rates for children of students range widely from $16-35/day, depending on the type of room (infant, toddler, two-year, three-year, etc.). Children of students have first priority, but there is almost always a wait-list, so students should contact the center as soon as they think they might need child care. For more information, visit the ELC website.